AccorHotels signals push into China long-stay market

French-born hotelier inks deal with China's Luneng Group.

AccorHotels and Luneng Group recently signed a memorandum of understanding forming a strategic partnership in China. The MOU outlines cooperation between the two companies to create a solid platform combining the management of hotels, luxury and upscale serviced apartments and timeshares in unique destinations in China. Broader opportunities across the luxury extended stay properties have also been flagged.

Gaurav Bhushan, Global Chief Development Officer, AccorHotels, said: “We look forward to building a world-class leisure and holiday portfolio as well as strengthening our serviced apartment offerings through this strategic cooperation with Luneng Group. The cooperation will create a global leisure vacation collection with new products including timeshares, long-term rental apartments and leisure residences, which will build a new industry benchmark for leisure tourism in the market.”

Rixos is one of the leading luxury destination branded resorts and hotels with world-class facilities, dining options and entertainment venues. Through the partnership with Luneng Group, Rixos will be introduced into the China market through the Luneng’s resort projects, offering guests all-inclusive, outstanding resort destination experiences which will also include world-class entertainment and sporting activities.

This strategic partnership also opens the door to Luneng Group joining Accor Vacation Club, a premier holiday and lifestyle program in Asia. Accor Vacation Club members enjoy AccorHotels world-class accommodations and choice holiday destinations for a fraction of the cost of owning a holiday home.

Gary Rosen, Chairman and Chief Operating Officer, AccorHotels Greater China, said: “We are thrilled to be collaborating with Luneng Group, one of China’s leading and most respected real estate developers.”

This strategic partnership is a combination of two powerful companies with a shared vision and commitment to driving innovation within the hotel industry. Together we will further strengthen hospitality experiences across the China market with unique, world-class brands, products and services that guests are going to love.AccorHotels Greater China, Chairman and Chief Operating Officer, Gary Rosen

Li Jinghai, Senior Assistant to General Manager, General Manager of Commercial & Tourism Management Company, Vice Secretary of the CPC Party Committee, Luneng Group, states: “We are excited to collaborate with AccorHotels, a hospitality industry pioneer and trailblazer. The partnership reflects our company’s commitment to working with the best in class hotel operators and service providers, and to attracting new brands and offerings for the China market. Working with AccorHotels will bring our concept to a new level, and enrich vacation experiences for guests both in China and abroad.”

AccorHotels, which celebrated reaching its 1,000th hotel in Asia Pacific milestone, operates more than 270 hotel properties in Greater China with more than 60,000 current serving guests. AccorHotels has a pipeline of over 150 new hotels in the coming years, adding more than 25,000 rooms to the region.